Mental Health

When Your Call Becomes a Calling

When Your Call Becomes a Calling

Photo: A promotional church bulletin cover for one of my seminars on Encouraging Mentors Many of us receive what we may describe as crank or scam calls. Such callers are only aiming to get from you what they want but never give you what you need. In addition, there...

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New Beginnings

New Beginnings

My photo: still waters at Lake Minnewanka, Banff National Park, Canada “…become blameless and pure, children of God…in which you shine as stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life…” (Philippians 2:15-16a, NIV) Authentic living is real, genuine, and...

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Living on Solid Ground

Living on Solid Ground

“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust (confidence) is your strength” (Isaiah 30:15, NIV) Photo: In June 2019, I stood on Mount Pilatus near Lucerne, Switzerland. Even mountains can crumble but God is absolutely solid and in control-the sure...

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Think Before You Thank

Think Before You Thank

My photo: cruising the canals of Amsterdam Are you in the habit of saying “thanks”? Even if you say yes, do you take time to think before you thank. Many of us are so used to saying mere words or expressions that our mouths move before our minds are engaged! Saying...

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Updraft

Updraft

My photo: Eagle on a post at Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada “Remember…how I carried you on eagles wings…” (Exodus 19:4) “…Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on wings as eagles; they will run and not grow...

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Active Listening

Active Listening

My photo of park bench & canoe at Pyramid Lake, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada “While he (Peter) was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him.’”...

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Twin Motivators of a Christian Disciple

Twin Motivators of a Christian Disciple

It was just 8 months before the beginning of the Covid pandemic when I was able to fulfill one of my life dreams. My dream was to enjoy a good cycling run in the bicycle-obsessed city of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Even though Sandra and I were in a group of 4, this...

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Better Than Gold

Better Than Gold

I was driving recently with my sister and her friend in Newfoundland when we saw this spectacular fiery spectacle of a towering cumulus cloud. The angle of the sun shining on the cloud made it seem like gold.  Actual gold is supremely valued by humankind and has...

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The Self-Examined Life

The Self-Examined Life

My photo: the tender for the Titanic in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It’s a reminder that we need to deeply examine ourselves as a ship is examined in a drydock. Search me o God and know my heart. Test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you....

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Trapped but Free

Trapped but Free

Butterfly photo by Theirry-Chabot About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.  (Acts 16:25, NIV) Imagine if you were trapped in a prison with no obvious way to escape. How would you respond?...

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